In a night of celebration and inspiration, Ademola Lookman was crowned 2024 African Footballer of the Year at the prestigious CAF Awards in Marrakesh, Morocco. Lookman’s achievement adds another golden chapter to Nigeria’s football legacy, making him the seventh Nigerian to win this coveted title. He joins an elite list of legends such as Nwankwo Kanu, Rashidi Yekini, and Victor Osimhen, who won the award in 2023.
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A Remarkable Season with Atalanta
Ademola Lookman’s triumph was underpinned by an extraordinary year at Italian club Atalanta, where he proved indispensable. The forward notched 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions during the 2023/24 season, underlining his versatility and precision on the pitch.
His crowning moment came in the Europa League final, where he scored a breathtaking hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, leading Atalanta to their first European trophy. This historic feat made him only the second player in Italian club history to score a hat-trick in a European final, joining the legendary Pierino Prati in 1969.
Even as the new season unfolds, Lookman’s influence continues to shine. He has already contributed 12 goal involvements in Serie A, helping Atalanta sit at the top of the league table. His late winner against AC Milan earlier this month extended Atalanta’s record-breaking run of consecutive Serie A victories, cementing his reputation as a clutch player.
Dominance on the International Stage
Beyond club achievements, Lookman has also excelled internationally. At the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, he scored three goals and earned a spot in the Team of the Tournament as the Super Eagles clinched a runner-up finish. His blend of skill, composure, and leadership has made him a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s national team setup.
Lookman’s exploits have not gone unnoticed globally. He was the only African player shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or in 2024, finishing in 14th place among the world’s best. This recognition underscores his growing stature as a global star and affirms Africa’s increasing impact on international football.
A Legacy for Nigerian Football
With this victory, Lookman continues Nigeria’s dominance at the CAF Awards, following Victor Osimhen’s win last year. This marks the first time since the late 1990s when Kanu and Victor Ikpeba won in consecutive years that Nigerian players have claimed back-to-back titles.
Lookman’s award represents more than individual excellence; it symbolizes the resurgence of Nigerian football on the global stage. As the country nurtures its next generation of football talent, his success serves as a beacon of hope and ambition.
In his acceptance speech, Lookman reflected on his journey:
“Four years ago, my career felt down, but now I’m here as the best player in Africa. Don’t let your failures stop your dreams.”
His resilience and determination resonate far beyond football, offering a life lesson for aspiring players and fans alike.
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Barbra Banda: A Historic Night for Zambia
The 2024 CAF Awards also celebrated Zambia’s Barbra Banda, the first Zambian to win the title of African Women’s Player of the Year. Her heroics for Orlando Pride, including scoring the decisive goal in the NWSL Championship final, highlight the growing influence of African women in global football.
The Future is Bright
Ademola Lookman’s win is a milestone for Nigeria and African football. With his continued brilliance at club and international levels, Lookman is poised to inspire a new generation of footballers while keeping the Super Eagles and Atalanta in contention for future glories.